POLICE investigating suspected sex trafficking raided a string of massage parlours.

Suspected brothels Jasmine’s massage parlour in Blatchington Road, Hove, and BB’s Wellbeing in Ham Road, Worthing, both run by the same owners, were raided on Tuesday night as part of a major investigation into prostitution.

Police said a large amount of cash had been seized in the raids on the two massage parlours as well as two other properties in Selden Road, Worthing, and South Street, Tarring.

Officers were yesterday seen returning to the Blatchington Road property.

Neighbours of the Hove premises said that the massage parlour, which is next door to a legitimate sex shop, had aroused suspicions.

One resident who did not wish to be named said: “I’ve never known for certain what goes on there but I’ve always thought it doesn’t quite look as it seems.

“There are always people coming and going at strange times and it doesn’t quite look right.”

Jasmine’s website describes their services as a “team of friendly masseuses” who “will always go the extra mile to ensure our clients leaves Jasmine’s and BB’s Wellbeing completely satisfied”.

The owner of another Blatchington Road business said: “I have never heard of anything like that going on there.

“We saw all the immigration vans turn up and thought it was to do with that but hadn’t realised it was anything else.”

A 59-year-old man, from Worthing, was arrested on suspicion of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property and keeping or managing a brothel used for prostitution.

A 64-year-old man, also of Worthing, was arrested on suspicion of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property.

Both men were still in police custody when The Argus went to press last night.

A 49-year-old woman from Worthing was arrested on suspicion of acquiring, using or possessing criminal property but was subsequently released without charge.

A third man was arrested on suspicion of paying for services of a prostitute and has been released under investigation.

Several women thought to have been working as prostitutes at the premises were being supported by police and other agencies including the Adur and Worthing Councils’ Safer Communities Team and local health providers

Worthing Salvation Army was put on standby by police and offered assistance to the women from the properties.

A Home Office spokesman added that while immigration officers were present on the raids they had not made any immigration-related arrests.

Police urged anyone concerned about human trafficking to call 101 or contact the modern slavery helpline on 0800 012 1700.